Tall Mouse informed the local community and its loyal customers a couple of weeks ago in a letter. Today was the first day of the "Final CLOSE OUT SALE."

The Cerritos story is located at the corner of South Street and Carmenita Road in the Ralph's Supermarket Shopping Center. This is the only store in the Tall Mouse chain that is expected to be closed. All of their other locations plan to remain opened.

The Cerritos Tall Mouse has had an almost "cult" like following ever since it first opened its doors more than a decade ago.

Scores of die hard shoppers and fans of this location lined up hours on Thursday in hopes of finding crafty deals and irresistible bargains.

All of the items in the store are at least 20% off, and some are marked down by as much as 70%.

HOT PICKS: 9 to 12 foot tall designer Christmas trees (normally priced at $865 to $1,200) are on sale for around $250 to $300...a great deal.

Also, all of the stores display cases and fixtures are up for grabs. Hint: Check out the BACK part of the store to find the best of the bargains. Some of the heavy oak, pine and ornate cases are on sale for as cheap as $125, and are on a first come, first find basis.

(Artesia, CA) They gathered to remember, as if they could ever forget the life of a remarkable young man who was just beginning to enter the prime time of his life.

More than 1,500 friends, family members, civic leaders, educators, students, and neighbors packed into Holy FamilyCatholic Church to attended a two-hour tearful, emotional Vigil, Rosary and Memorial Service to honor the life of Cerritos resident Ryan Mark Tiedeman.

Tiedeman, age 18, was killed in a tragic car accident last week on the 5 and 605 Freeways with his friend Jacob "Jake" Aragon, 19 of Lakewood. Ryan was remembered as a great athlete, who was a natural born leader, on and off the field, hockey rink, or basketball court.

"Ryan was someone who was always full of life, and love, and who will always be in our hearts," said his longtime friend Chelsea Cox during the service.

"Ryan did more in this 18 years, than most people do in 80 years," said Cox. "Ryan was a standout athlete who excelled in literally everything, and we need to remember the way he lived, and not dwell upon the way he died."

Tiedeman was a standout athlete at Richard Gahr High School here in Cerritos who graduated in the Class of 2009. He was attending Rio Hondo College at the time of his passing last week, and was a Member of the Men's Baseball team there.

Many of his past and current team mates attended and all of them fought back tears.

I was touched to see the love and support given Ryan's parents, Mark and Julie Tiedeman his sister Madison from everyone attending this emotional service.

Tonight was about love, and remembering, the life of a young man who died too soon.

Funeral Liturgy will be held today (Wednesday, March 31st) at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church at 18708 S. Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, with the Rite of Committal at All Souls Cemetery at 4400 Cherry Avenue in Long Beach.

If you have a special, kind, loving memory of Ryan, hit my comment section and tell me your thoughts or send a note to RREconomy@aol.com'

The family of Ryan Tiedeman, the 18 year old Cerritos resident and baseball player from Rio Hondo College and former standout athlete at Richard Gahr High School (who was killed last week in a tragic accident on the 5 and 605 Freeway) has asked me to share this information with the community today.

To properly remember Ryan's life, and in lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that a donation be made in Ryan's memory to the Gahr High School Baseball Team.

Checks can be made to "Gahr High School Baseball" and be mailed to either Gahr High School at 11111 Artesia Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703 or to the Tiedeman Family at 19618 Wiersma Avenue, Cerritos CA 90703.

I hope everyone will take a moment to send a donation today and to keep Ryan and his family and friends in your Prayers today.

If you are driving "buzzed" or "loaded" or "under the influence" in the western Orange County city of Cypress, odds are that you are going to be caught, cited and probably tossed in the slammer.

In their continuing effort to crack down on those who insist on driving while intoxicated, the Cypress Police Department conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on last Saturday night that resulted in nine arrests on various charges.

The checkpoint was at Lincoln Avenue at Sumner Street, and the goal was simple, to remove impaired drivers from the roadway and to bring awareness to the public of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The location was chosen due to an increased number of DUI-related traffic collisions along Lincoln Avenue. The results of the checkpoint are as follows:

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Jake Aragon, left, was a great friend, a loving kind soul who will be missed forever!

(Aragon Family Photo)

By Randy Economy
Sunday, March 28th
Updated 11:14 a.m.

I just happen to wake up in the middle of the night.

I fell asleep watching the Gran Prix from Australia, and discovered that my email "in-box" had three news letters about the life of Jacob "Jake" Aragon, and I wanted to share them here asap.

If you have been following this Blog, and been watching local television news reports, Jake is the 19 year old from Lakewood, CA who passed away from this Earth a couple of days ago in that tragic accident last week on the 5 and 605 Freeway that took his life and that of his friend Ryan Mark Tiedeman, 18 of Cerritos.

Jake and Ryan had lots of friends, and family members and the letters I have been posting here are from the heart. So, I wanted to share this special note this morning, and these photos of Jake and ask that you keep these "sons" of our community in your hearts and prayers today, and this week when they are both laid to rest.

Jake Aragon with his brother and cousins.

(Aragon Family Photo)

"Dear Randy:This is for Jake. I Love U so much and miss U and I cty for U everyday. I cry myself to sleep hoping it was just a Dream, but it is a nighmare come true.You are gone TOO SOON. I remember when we use to kick it and u would say the funniest thing. Jake did whatever he could to help me and that what I LOVED ABOUT U. I ASK GOD WHY DID HE TAKE U AWAY TO SOON?

I would give anything just to be able to "kick it" with you one last time. The night God took your life he also took my heart with him. I LOVE U BABY BOY AND ALWAYS WILL. You will ALWAYS AND FOREVER BE IN MY HEART.It is goning to take a while for me to get use to the fact dat ur gone forever. I hope when I die you are up there with your beautiful smile!"

If you have a memory of Jake Aragon or of Ryan Tiedeman, including any photos that you want posted here for the community to enjoy, please feel free to send them to RREconomy@aol.com.

Please tell me your special memories and make sure that you tell me who is in the photos.

The California Highway Patrol says CAO Santana was driving at a high rate of speed in a city-owned Honda Civic early Friday when he was pulled over.

Santana , 40, was arrested after he showed signs of being drunk. He was booked and released from custody a couple of hours later.

This is what Mr. Santana is responsible for on a day to day basis with our tax dollars:

"The CAO conducts studies and investigations, carries out research and makes recommendations on a wide variety of City management matters for the Mayor and Council. The CAO assists the Mayor and Council in the preparation of the City budget, plans and directs the administration of the budget and directs the development of work programs and standards. The CAO represents the management of the City in negotiating all labor contracts. In addition, the CAO chairs and participates in many coordinating committees and performs other duties required by the Mayor and Council."

So...why do "we" taxpayers tolerate this type of drunk driving and public behavior from public employees?

I hope Mr. Santana can change his life, and to make sure that he never drinks and drives again. Miguel, I am just glad that YOU are still alive today, and you need to be held accountable for your actions. Thank God you didn't kill someone.

Santana apologized for the incident. He said he is "seeking counseling." Before he was busted, he was in downtown LA attending a political roast for District Attorney Steve Cooley.

One of the running "jokes" of the night was Cooley's Cannabis Collective "crack" downs.

Thanks to one of my readers for sending this pic that was taken at the Cooley dinner from her IPhone.

So, here is the question....

Is it "okay" when public officials drink and drive while us taxpayers pick up the tab?

On Friday, the Los Angeles CountyDistrict Attorney's Office tacked on two more counts of child molestation and a judge upped his bail by $2 million, from $8.2 million to $10.2 million.

If you have been following this case (both here on the Blog and on local, state and national news outlets) Ayala, 42, was officially charged on March 3 with eight counts of lewd acts on a child and one count of oral copulation on a child under age 10.

It is alleged in Court documents and Ayala molested two 10-year-old boys in a La Mirada youth football organization.

The charges filed Friday stem from molestation accusations by a third boy against Ayala and he has pleaded not guilty to all 11 counts.

When this criminal trial begins, it will be emotional for the families of the alleged victims, and for the entire La Mirada and Whittier communities.

I have received dozens of emails about Ayala and about this case over the past couple of months.

Tonight, Paul Ayala is sitting in a Downtown Los Angeles jail cell, and the community is breathing a temporary sigh of relief.

If you wanna sound off about this case, hit my popular comment section and be heard. Again, this is OUR community, we all live here and we all need to watch out for one and other.

(Cerritos, CA) The life of Cerritos resident Ryan Tiedeman, 18, will be celebrated with a Catholic funeral service on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rosary will be held on TUESDAY, March 30th, at 8:15pm at Holy FamilyCatholic Church in Artesia at 18708 Clarkdale Avenue in Artesia.

Funeral Services will begin at 10 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31st will be held at Holy Family Church. After the mass, Ryan will be layed to rest at All Souls Cemetary at 4400 Cherry Ave. in Long Beach, CA 90807.

"I love that kid, god drafted him to the big leagues up above, with a huge contract. He will be playing with the angels,they are lucky to have him as their first baseman, to bad we are not going to be able to see him win the rookie of the year for the heaven's league. you will always be loved and remember."

Tonight, the City Council remembered the life of one of its very own "favorite sons" when they adjourned its meeting in the memory of Ryan Tiedeman.

Tiedeman, 18, a native son of this community of 55,000 residents was killed late Wednesday night in a horrific accident on the 5 and 605 Freeway in Santa Fe Springs that also claimed the life of his friend Jacob "Jake" Aragon, age 19 of Lakewood.

Cerritos City Councilman Jim Edwards, a longtime friend of the Tiedeman family, fought back tears as he broke the sad news to the community tonight. "This is one of those nights that you hope you never have to deal with, and Cerritos has lost a remarkable young man," said Edwards of the passing of Tiedeman.

Edwards read a prepared statement from the Tiedeman family, that talked about Ryan's deep roots here in Cerritos, (he was born at nearby La Palma Community Hospital), his childhood when he attended Mary Bragg Elementary School, and Ryan’s accomplishments as a standout student athlete at Gahr High School.

"Ryan was one of our Cerritos kids, who lived his whole life here in our community, and I am at a lost for words," said Edwards.

Two of its residents, who are serving in the US Marine Corp, were killed on Wednesday as the result of a roadside bomb while on patrol in Afghanistan.

Marine Lance Cpl. Rick J. Centanni, age 19, who entered the military just weeks out of high school in 2008, and Sgt. Major Robert J. Cottle, 45, both of Yorba Linda were killed in the same vehicle that was destroyed by a wicked explosive device.

“Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow over the loss of Marine Lance Corporal Rick J. Centanni and Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle. The sacrifice that these brave Marines made for their Country clearly reflects the honor, courage and commitment that embody this community’s ideals," said members of the Yorba Linda City Council in a written statement.

The US Department of Defense has not "officially" confirmed the deaths, but both of the families were told of the tragic news on Wednesday. An official announcement will be made out of Washington, DC on Friday.

It is being reported that Cottle and Centanni were attacked with two other Marines when their armored vehicle struck an IED. The condition of the other two Marines was not immediate available.

Media reports are claiming that representatives from the Marine Corps informed both the Centanni and Cottle families of the deaths late Wednesday afternoon.

This has been a tragic week, here in our part of the world. RIP. More details. If you have a special memory of Rick or Robert, please share your thoughts here.
RRE

Photos of Ryan Tiedeman, 18 of Cerritos. Note, if you have a favorite photo of Ryan or Jake and want to share it here, send it to RREconomy@aol.com and I will post it. Bless YOU ALL for your kind words!

Cerritos, CA:
Over the past 36 hours, I have recieved many letters, and notes about the lives and passing of Ryan Tiedeman, age 18 from Cerritos, and Jacob Aragon, age 19 of Lakewood. More than 7,000 people have logged onto this blog to read about these two young men and to seek answers about thier passing.

Today their friends and family are beginning to share some touching stories about their lives. I wanted to post this wonderful photo of Ryan....that was sent to me from one of his very close friends. Remember, life is a precious gift, and we can all learn from the passing of these two young people.

If you have a special memory of Ryan or Jacob (he liked to be called "Jake"), please hit the comment section below or send me a note to RREconomy@aol.comRandy Economy

"I miss you, Ryan and Jake. Keep the party going til we come up and join you. Rest in paradise. We love you both!"

"Ryan you will always be in our hearts.

You were too young to leave us all. You made every moment of baseball and my high school life that much better.

Your jokes and sense of humor will remain with every single person that knew you. I can still hear your voice man. RIP Ryan... and also towards Jake it wasn't time for you to go either. We weren't very close but i regret not getting a chance to know you that well."

"Ryan and jake rip ima missin' you guys for life...""We have know the Ryan’s family since WE were in High School at Gahr and they are extremely loved by all who know them. I did not know Jake, but our hearts go out to his family and friends as well. If this tragedy prevents any further loss of our youth by making them realize that life is short and they are not invincible. Then that was God’s will in taking these young men too soon. Forever in our hearts!"

"Ryan was class of 09 at Gahr High School. RIP Ryan and Jacob :("

"Ryan it was NOT time for you to go man, we all love you and will always remember you. Your sense of humor and charisma always brought joy and a smile to our everyday lives bro. It feels like next time i go to a party Imma see you walk in through the door with that big smile on your face bro. but sadly we all know that's not possible. I met you in 3rd grade, and forever will you be in my heart. RIParadise bro, Watch over us:/ and Jake I've only met you but i can see how people loved you as well. RIParadise Jake and Ryan://

"OMG RYAN AND JAKE!!! Im going to miss you two so much. I cant even believe this happened. RIP Ryan and Jacob. God, please watch over all of us. They were great guys, you had so much to look forward to. i love you both!!!"

Seen here is Ryan Tiedeman and his mom during the 2009 Gahr High School season. Photo from Gahr High School Baseball Website.

The tragic crash took place on the northbound 5 Freeway where the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway connects at 11:26 p.m. Tuesday. Both men died at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation, the 18 year old Tiedeman was driving a 2003 Nissan XterraSUV when, for unknown reasons, it went onto the shoulder, hit several trees and shrubs, and rolled over onto its roof, ejecting the passenger 19- year-old Aragon, the CHP reported.

I will be posting more details as the develop.

Tonight, on a personal note, I have learned that both Ryan and Jacob had many wonderful friends and family members here in Cerritos and Lakewood.

I am hearing lots of good things and stories about their lives, and I will be sharing more in the next couple of days.

I hope that both of these two young men are in EVERYONES hearts and prayers today.

If you want to share anything, please hit the comment section, or send me a note to RREconomy@aol.com.

SOS Debra Bowen has reported this afternoon that more than enough signatures have been submitted from voters from across California in near record time, and the issue will now be on the November General Election.

This isn't about "Medical Pot," it is about making ALL pot and cannabis sales legal here in the Golden State.

According to the measures backers, the initiative will give local governments the ability to control and tax the sale of small amounts of cannabis to adults age 21 and older.

www.taxcannabis.org says its measure includes significant safeguards and controls and it will increase the penalty for providing marijuana to a minor, expressly prohibit the consumption of marijuana in public, forbid smoking marijuana while minors are present, and ban possession on school grounds.

So, if this measure passes in November by California voters, will pot shops be popping up in Cerritos, Artesia, Buena Park, Norwalk, Lakewood, Hawaiian Gardens and Long Beach in 2011? Is this a new way to balance our states fiscal crisis?

Look for lots of legal challenges, but for now, the November 2010 Election here in California just got really wild, like ganga wild, dude.

Do you favor the legalization of pot here in California? Do you think this measure will the approved by voters in California this November? Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com, or hit the headline and let your comments be heard!

I wanted to give a "shout out" today to my pal Joe Esquivel who was named Mayor of Lakewood, California last night.

Larry Van Nostran was named vice mayor.

Mayor Joe is an icon in Lakewood. His quick wit, and kind heart has made him one of the most respected and popular leaders in our entire region.

Joe was first elected to the Lakewood City Council in 1990 and was re-elected in 1994, 1999, 2003, and 2007. (He ran unopposed in the election of 1999, a first in the city's history.) He previously served four terms as Lakewood's mayor.

Before he was elected to the city council, Mayor Esquivel was a member of the Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Commission. He served as the chairman during six terms.

He also is a former president of the California Contract Cities Association. He served as Legislative Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer of the association before becoming its president. Mayor Esquivel is a member of the Lakewood Rotary Club and served for many years as the coordinator of the Rotary Club's annual Project Shepherd holiday assistance program.

Vice Mayor Van Nostran was first elected to the city council following a special election in 1975. He served his eighth term as mayor in 2006-2007.

Their names were withheld pending notification of relatives. As soon as they are ided, I will post them here on the blog.

According to the preliminary investigation, and in published reports into today's Long Beach Press Telegram, the 18-year-old (who is from Cerritos) was driving a 2003 Nissan Xterra SUV when, for unknown reasons, it went onto the shoulder, hit several trees and shrubs, and rolled over onto its roof, ejecting the 19- year-old passenger, the CHP reported.

The Florence Avenue onramp to the northbound 5 was closed for several hours.

Today I want to send out special thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of these two young men.

Life is a precious gift, and today many hearts have been broken.
RIP.

Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com or hit the comment section and tell me more about this accident. Randy Economy

Meet Randy Economy

Randy Economy is one of the most respected Investigative Journalists in Southern California and is the recipient of FIVE top awards from the prestigious Los Angeles Press Club in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
He is the host of “The Randy Economy Show” that aired on AM 870 ‘The ANSWER’ in Southern California from January 2015 to March 2016. The show was rated as the #1 weekend talk show in Los Angeles by Neilsen/Arbitron during the months of June, September, and November, 2015.
Economy has worked as an investigative reporter for years, he is the real deal.
Economy uncovered a $1 billion dollar political “pay to play” scheme inside the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s Office that lead to the arrest of Assessor John Noguez, Property Tax Consultant Ramin Salari, Property Appraiser Mark McNeill, and Property Appraiser Scott Schenter. The series of articles resulted in him being recognized as a candidate for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 2013.
Economy also uncovered misuse of public office by Los Angeles Controller Wendy Greuel revealing how her elected position was used to leverage millions of dollars for her unsuccessful campaign for Mayor in 2013.
Economy, is now a resident of Rancho Mirage, California. He also uncovered massive fraud and political corruption inside the Central Basin Municipal Water District. The agency is now part of a criminal investigation by the FBI and US Attorney’s Office.
Bold, brass, and quick witted, Economy has also uncovered and reported on FBI probe of California State Senator Ronald Calderon, former Assemblyman Tom Calderon that led to both of their arrests in a complex bribery scheme.
He has covered hundreds of public meetings in and around Los Angeles County at City Halls from Simi Valley, to Long Beach, Norwalk, Downey, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and countless other field locations.
The Randy Economy Show has been featured on CNN, CNN International, Fox News, NBCLA, CNN, ABC Eyewitness News, KCAL9, CBS2, Associated Press, United Press International, Al-Jazeera, and hundreds of other television news shows across the globe…
Economy is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church and attend Sacred Heart in Palm Desert.
In addition, Economy attended Utah State University and Cerritos College as well as a graduate of Cerritos High School.
Economy wears an eye patch. He lost the vision in his right eye nearly 10 years ago, and kids and critics refer to him as “The Pirate.” With his reputation for exposing countless crooked politicians, many now ask who are the real “political pirates” in our area. It is not Randy Economy, it’s those who dare to steal from the public and think that they can get away with it.
Randy Economy became an “official member” of the Republican Party in April of 2016.
Economy can be reached via his cell phone at 562 743-0882. His blog, now with more than 10 million readers is www.RandyEconomy.co.